New Media: Definition, Courses and Scope

Various types of Mass Media such as Television, Radio and Press has always been an integral part of modern society since the time it has revolutionized the way we used to communicate and disseminate information. Mass media acted as a catalyst for groundbreaking changes in society which otherwise would not have been possible. The scenario got radically changed with the emergence of computers and the Internet. The whole range of products and services that take the help of ICT to entertain, educate and communicate is collectively called New Media. Emerging as a popular trend, many are seeing it as a viable career option. 

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What is New Media?

Digital technologies that are backed by computers and the Internet have hugely impacted the concept of Mass Communication. Social pl0oatforms, blogs, video games and online news portals can be collectively called the New Media. It serves as the foundation for Digital Media Marketing and has an extra element of interactivity which is largely missing in the traditional form of communication. Digital Media combines digital technologies that enhance its reach and gives the audience liberty to interact at their own convenience. Above all, it gives everyone an opportunity to become creators rather than mere receivers. Given below are some of the characteristic features of Digital platforms which set it apart from the traditional form of communication. 

• Digital
• Interactivity
• Hypertextuality
• Simulation
• Asynchronous
• Storage 
• Accessibility

Types of New Media

There are several types of new media that are used in the market today. However, if we try to bring them under one spectrum, it will be tough as mediums of communication changes every year with new inventions. There are so many options available in today’s time that even those considered under this seem to be old now. It is just not limited to websites but has grown much ahead in the field. Here are some types that are available in today’s scenario:

• Websites
• Social Media Platforms
• OTT Platforms like Netflix
• Blogs
• Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Email
• Music Streaming like Spotify

New Media vs. Traditional Media

New and traditional media are two different spectrums of the current methods of communication. Although both have the same primary function of sharing information, the biggest difference lies in the medium used by the two types of media.

Media and Society

Society is highly influenced by the media in many ways. Media is considered the ‘mirror’ of society and in many ways, it shows the reality of the current world in the form of fiction, non-fiction, data, news, etc. 

New Media, however, has an even stronger impact on society as a lot of social media platforms are now becoming sources of campaign, ads, and marketing. It affects how we see the world and make deductions through it. The impact of new media has given birth to many careers, propaganda, and even positivity. 

Is Digital Media a Good Career?

Choosing a career in digital media is a great option as you come across several opportunities based on your specialization like animation, graphic design, etc. The field also opens up multiple job opportunities in famous organizations. If you do not wish to work at a job, you can also work as a freelancer.  The job positions are like Animator, artist, cartoonist, designer, computer games developer, system analyst, Graphic designer, Digital specialist, Website designer, web specialist, software designer, et. 

Career in New Media

When it comes to career opportunities, then it is worth knowing that the field is expected to grow in the coming years creating more job avenues for professionals with expertise in the subject. Flexible working hours, the prospect for self-employment and freelancing opportunities are characteristic of the field. Some of the popular job profiles include:

Social Media Manager

Social media has become such a crucial part of our lives that it has been used by companies to market their products and services. They work in the same manner to create campaigns, run ads, post content on social media profiles of businesses to generate leads through it. They usually have a bachelors’ degree in Digital Marketing and Media and is an expert in understanding and utilizing social media trends. A career in social media is highly diverse and can be connected to several other marketing fields.

The average package of Social Media Specialist in India is INR 3,60,000. 

Cartoonist

A Cartoonist is a professional who provides faces to the cartoon characters. Depending upon the area of interest a person can make a career as a Cartoonist in Newspapers, Comic Books or TV Channels. Some people draw cartoons on various issues such as social, religious, political and environmental. While some other sketch advertising cartoons or characters that entertain the masses. Most of the professionals in this field draw cartoons to display and convey powerful messages which are of social importance.

The average package of Cartoonist in India is INR 4,80,000

Content Writer

Becoming an increasingly popular career across all fields, Content Writing can be curating engaging, comprehensive and user-friendly content. While there are no specific qualifications or degree you need for this career, you must have excellent writing and research skills to pursue content writing. People from any academic backgrounds can pursue lucrative opportunities in this field, be it freelance, part-time or full-time given that they have a stronghold over the language specified for the content. Moreover, content writing can be for blogs, website content, video content or all kinds of content that can be published on digital platforms.

The average package of Content Writer in India is INR 3,00,000.

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager uses digital mediums and tactics to connect with and influence actual and potential customers on the internet. They plan marketing and advertising campaigns to promote their products and services on the internet including websites, blogs, social platforms, etc. A marketing manager’s role is much bigger than just bringing leads or customers to the platform but also creating a team of people who are working for the company’s larger goals. 

The average package of a Marketing Manager in India is INR 6,80,000.

Photographer

A career in photography does not necessarily require a certain degree or qualification but rather the skills and knowledge of operating cameras and their equipment, composition, aesthetics, lighting, photo editing software, amongst others. The minimum education requirement you would be required to fulfil might be 10+2 or a bachelor’s degree in Photography or a related field. Most importantly, those aspiring to become a photographer, generally take up specialised courses in Photography to learn about the intricacies of carrying out different types of photography, image editing, lighting techniques, amongst others. 

The average package of Photographer in India is INR 4,00,000.

Eligibility Criteria

New Media is a novel concept globally but the universities abroad have already started offering courses to prepare a new generation of trained professionals in the field. Following a strict selection procedure to ensure quality in education, universities abroad require you to meet the eligibility criteria that vary for different institutions. But generally, to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you need to have qualified your class 12th examinations from a recognized board besides taking up an English proficiency test such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE. for a master’s degree, having a bachelor’s degree or equivalent is a prerequisite. Additional to language proficiency test score, CV and university transcripts, a valid GRE score is needed.  

Popular Courses in New Media

Combining Broadcast and Advertising Media and other subsets, it is widely taught in Mass Communication and Journalism courses. If you want to pursue a career in the field, taking up a specialised course would be a good option to get started. It is a multidisciplinary course that follows the principle of convergence. The demand for professionals in the field has given rise to the subject being taught as a course at many universities. During the coursework, you are expected to learn about various aspects of the field which includes Graphic Designing, Music Engineering basics, Story Writing and Multimedia and Animation. Given below are some of the best courses that you can take up to start a career in it:

University	Location	Course	Duration
State University of New York	USA	BA/BSc in Digital Media Programming and Management	4 Years
University of Salford	UK	Digital Media BA (Hons)	3 Years
University of Limerick	Ireland	Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Design	4 Years
University of Technology Sydney	Australia	Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media)	3 Years
University of Glasgow	UK	Digital Media & Information Studies MA (Hons)	4 Years
Ontario Tech University	Canada	Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Science – Digital Media	4 Years
University of South Australia	Australia	Bachelor of Digital Media	3 Years
Deakin University	Australia	Bachelor of Communication (Digital Media)	3 Years
University of Michigan	USA	Graduate Certificate in Digital Studies	12 Credit Hours
University of Washington	USA	Master of Communication in Digital Media	Minimum of 45 Credits
The University of Edinburgh	UK	Design and Digital Media, MSc	1 Year
King’s College London	UK	Digital Asset and Media Management, MA	1 Year

• MA in Journalism
• Multimedia Courses

New Media is an emerging concept that has higher employability rates and great opportunities to work with top companies. If you are sure about making a career in it, then you are just a click away. Book your 30-minutes free counselling session with our experts at Leverage Edu and set on a journey to a successful career.